Whether you have read the books, watched the movies or the play. There is something for everyone at Harry Potter: The Forbidden Forest Experience.
Photo Courtesy Of Harry Potter: Forbidden Forest Experience
On Thursday night The Knockturnal previewed Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest experience in FDR State park in Westchester. The magical experience came back for a second time after a few years with upgrades and updates. Some of those included Fantastic Beasts moments and an Audible hut where you could sit and warm up while listening to some of the new cast recordings of the beloved books.
Photo Courtesy Of Harry Potter: Forbidden Forest Experience
The trail takes you on a journey through time and page as you walk along book by book. Eventually you will find yourself at the Deathly Hallows and even have a chance to recreate Harry and Voldemorts final duel.
You can expect to see magical creatures of all kinds including Buckbeak, Aragog, Cornish pixies, the unicorn from the Sorcerers Stone and even a fire breathing dragon. Before all that, right when you walk in, you will find yourself as first years do. Where you will have the choice to get sorted into your Hogwarts House by the sorting hat. Feel free to reject the choosing if it doesn’t align with your actual house from Harrypotter.com
Once you start your journey you’ll find moments that call for photo ops, spells and incantations where your wizarding skills will be put to the test. You can either use a wand you brought from home or use one purchased from one of the merch locations. These are located at the beginning and the very end of the trail. You can even use a chocolate wand as we did if you so please. By the time we reached the patronus part of the trail we had no wand left. That’s what happens when your wand is milk chocolate.
Photo Courtesy Of Harry Potter: Forbidden Forest Experience
There are voiceovers and music playing throughout the path. The deeper you go the more immersed you’ll be. The experience is for all ages though there are some spookier moments than others. Compete with your friends for better spell casting or test each other on what’s what as you walk along. There will be signs as you enter each area explaining what you can expect and where the activations are from and what book.
Photo Courtesy Of Harry Potter: Forbidden Forest Experience
Toward the end of the trail there is a beautifully lit path lined with trees. The lights are multicolored making the path whimsical and magical as it ushers you back into the real world. The extensive merch venue greets you at the end of the trail. You will find exclusive items curated specifically for the Forbidden Forest experience there. There is even a photo booth for special effects photos you can choose a fun Harry Potter themed background for.
Visit now while the spectacular spectacle lasts now till the end of November. The visit can last anywhere between one hour to an hour and a half. Dress up with friends and family and add it to your fall fun activities. You won’t regret it.